Middlesbrough's top-brass have dismissed claims of an imminent hot-seat unveiling of Garry Monk.

Reports from Radio Yorkshire – a specialist sport station with close links to Leeds United – claimed yesterday that former Elland Road boss Monk and his assistant James Beattie were poised to be unveiled as early as Monday.

But the Hurworth hierarchy insist that no decision has been made on the next Boro manager as yet and they are still mulling over their options.

“We want to make sure we take this decision correctly, not quickly,” a senior Riverside source told The Gazette.

“We want to get this right and have no intention of rushing it. We are still weighing up our options.”

Leeds United manager Garry Monk

Boro are believed to have spoken to several candidates about their vision and plans for the club, but are eager to carefully consider the merits of each one before taking the next step.

“We will take as long as it takes to come to the decision that we think is best for the club,” said the senior source.

“That doesn't effect the running of the club in any way and preparations for the new season are in place.”

The Gazette revealed last week that Steve Agnew – put in charge of first team affairs after the departure of Karanka in March - has been actively planning the pre-season programme and friendlies.

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Speculation has been rife for weeks about the next Boro boss with Monk and former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson the favourites with the bookies.

Pearson has already declared his interest in the hotseat, and The Gazette understands the former club captain believes he is well-placed to take over the reins.

But it's Monk who remains the bookies' favourite - with fresh speculation from West Yorkshire over the last 48 hours suggesting his appointment is something of a formality.

Garry Monk and Nigel Pearson

Radio Yorkshire was set up by former Leeds chairman Ken Bates in 2014 and has commentary rights for United games and is regarded as being close to some key figures in the club.

So when their United phone-in host Derek Clark tweeted: “I'm led to believe Garry Monk and James Beattie have agreed to take over at Middlesbrough and it should be announced in the next few days”, it caused a flurry of intense speculation and marked movement in the betting market.

But Boro big wigs have dismissed that. The Gazette understands Monk has been out of the country on holiday, and as such, the club's search for a manager will inevitably enter a third week.